The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated recommendations for use of once-weekly isoniazid-rifapentine for 12 weeks (3HP) for treatment of latent tuberculosis (TB) infection. The updated recommendations, published in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), support expanded use of an effective, shorter, treatment regimen to reach even more people with latent TB infection.
The updated recommendations include the use of 3HP:
- By directly observed therapy or self-administered therapy in persons over 2 years of age;
- In children and adolescents, 2-11 years old; and
- In persons with latent TB infection who are living with HIV/AIDS and taking antiretroviral medications with acceptable drug interactions with rifapentine
The 3HP regimen can help remove current barriers to initiate and complete latent TB treatment. By supporting a shorter treatment timeframe, offering the option for self-administration, and reducing treatment costs, cure of latent TB infection can be improved.
Dr. Timothy Sterling led the initial 3HP study, funded by the CDC through the Tuberculosis Trials Consortium.